THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Those who came to pay homage to the legendary playwright and poet Kavalam Narayana Panicker at Sopanam Theatre on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram city on Monday were in for a surprise as a group gathered at a corner started singing songs evoking different moods.
A group of enthusiasts led by actor Nedumudi Venu was following the outlook of their guru, who wanted death to be celebrated. As people from all walks of life climbed down the slope that led towards the theatre, Kavalam Sajeevan rendered a soulful ‘Alayal thara venam...’ The gathering, in sombre mood, including Panicker’s son Sreekumar, too joined the chorus at times. Just before Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan arrived, another popular song, ‘Ealelam poolaalo...’, was rendered. In his obituary reference, Pinarayi said Panicker’s death was a great loss to the state. “He had taken drama to its heights and made invaluable contribution in the field at the national level. He endeared himself to masses by incorporating folk songs in his work,” said the Chief Minister.
Legacy to be continued
‘Shakunthalam’, the reenactment of Panicker’s play with Manju Warrier staging the role of poet Kalidasa’s most famous character, will be staged in a span of few weeks.
The actor had practised at Sopanam for a month before the playwright’s health deteriorated.
Panicker had staged the play in the 1980s and he rewrote the work as he had done with many of his plays. “The themes chosen by Kavalam sir are timeless. They can be staged any day with minor modifications,” said Nedumudi Venu.
Panicker has left behind organisations such as Kavalam Samskriti and Kavalam School of Music in the hands of his enthusiasts to take his legacy forward.